Seoul: Veterans Minister Kwon Oh-eul announced his commitment to further eliminating compensation blind spots for the families of war veterans and descendants of independence activists. This pledge comes as he marks his first year in office, highlighting efforts to enhance financial support for low-income veterans, patriots, and their family members.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kwon's ministry launched a subsidy program in March aimed at supporting surviving spouses of deceased war veterans. This initiative is part of broader efforts to expand compensation benefits, targeting approximately 17,000 individuals aged 80 or older whose household income is at or below 50 percent of the median income.
In addition, the ministry has extended compensation benefits to descendants of activists who fought against Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945. The new measures, set to take effect in 2027, will allow descendants to receive compensation regardless of when their activist ancestors died. Previously, eligibility was limited to one descendant if the activist passed away before Korea's liberation, excluding spouses and children.
Kwon also highlighted the selection of Daejeon as the host city for the Invictus Games in 2029, a decision he believes will showcase South Korea's capabilities in providing medical care and rehabilitation services for veterans. The Invictus Games Foundation in Britain selected Daejeon over Aalborg in Denmark and San Diego in the United States, marking a significant achievement as South Korea becomes the first Asian country to host the prestigious international sporting event for injured service members.